Policies & Resources
ABPD Diplomates have many resources available to them to help them through maintaining their certification.
ExploreAnnual Diplomate Renewal (ADR) Policy
All diplomates are required to log into their profile between December 1 and November 30 annually to complete their Annual Requirements. If not received by the deadline of November 30, a diplomate will be placed on Inactive Status. Inactive diplomates will have their names removed from the roster on the ABPD website and shall not declare to the public that they are diplomates of ABPD.
For more information on inactive status and reactivation, please see section below.
Renewal of Certification Process Guidelines
Inactive Status/Reactivation of Diplomate Status
Diplomates who fail to complete any requirement of the ROC-P by the stated deadline of November 30 will remain certified with a single occurrence of non-compliance but will be placed on inactive status. Inactive diplomates will have their names removed from the roster on the ABPD website and shall not declare to the public that they are diplomates of ABPD.
Those whose certification is on inactive status can resume active status by successfully completing the Revalidation Examination. An application fee of $500 will be assessed for the Revalidation Examination, and it will be taken online. If the Renewal of Certification (ROC) Examination is due during the period of inactivation, a diplomate must also complete it in addition to the Revalidation Examination. A diplomate will forfeit their certification and must reinstate it if they remain inactive for five (5) or more years.
Forfeiture of Diplomate Status Policies
A diplomate will forfeit certification and must reinstate their certification if they remain inactive for five (5) or more years.
Reinstatement of Diplomate Status Policy
Time-limited and Unlimited diplomates who have forfeited ABPD certification and wish to become certified again may be reinstated by successful completion of the Oral Clinical Examination (OCE). Until the individual successfully completes the OCE, the individual is considered a re-applicant. The individual is not considered a candidate and will not receive verifications regarding their board status. Successful completion of the OCE will qualify the individual seeking reinstatement as a Time-limited diplomate.
Code of Professional Conduct and Discrimination and Harassment Policy
The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (“ABPD”) is dedicated to providing a safe and productive experience for all participants and attendees at all official ABPD events regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
ABPD does not tolerate discrimination or any form of prohibited harassment and is committed to enforcing this Code of Professional Conduct (the “Code”) at its examinations, meetings or at any other ABPD event. The ABPD is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific and educational ideas. Furthermore, ABPD upholds the philosophy of equal opportunity for and treatment of all event participants and staff in any venue. Click the link below to read the full policy.
ABPD Code of Professional Conduct and Discrimination and Harrassment Policy
Procedures for the Enforcement of the Ethical Obligations of Diplomates and Candidates
These "Procedures" are designed to assist in promoting the highest level of professional conduct by diplomates and candidates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (the "ABPD") and resolving credentialing and ethical disputes and allegations of misconduct regarding diplomates and candidates of the ABPD. They are intended to resolve disputes and allegations in an expeditious manner while at the same time afford the diplomate or candidate a fair opportunity to rebut them. Click the link below to read the full policy.
Procedures for the Enforcement of the Ethical Obligations of Diplomates and Candidates
Use of Specialty and Board Designations Policy
Specialty Announcements
As per the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, an educationally qualified pediatric dentist can announce specialization as 'specialist in pediatric dentistry' or 'practice limited to pediatric dentistry.'
Board Certification Announcements
In printed declarations on letterhead, business cards, and websites and in telephone directories and biographical summaries:
Pediatric dentists certified as a diplomate by the ABPD may promote their certification by using diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry or Certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in direct association with their names.
The Board does not authorize abbreviations to designate diplomate status, initialisms such as ABPDD, DABPD, or ABPD (Dip) are inappropriate and must NOT be used.
In recorded telephone messaging, certification may be promoted in direct association with a diplomate's name. Care must be taken to avoid inference that such certification applies to the practice or to all practitioners within the office.
Leave of Absence Policy
Any active diplomate in good standing faced with circumstances that substantially alter or prohibit the ability to practice dentistry over a prolonged period may apply for a leave of absence. The nature of the leave can be medical, educational, or a major life disruption. “To practice dentistry” is defined here as the clinical practice of dentistry, teaching of dentistry, dental practice ownership where a license to practice dentistry is required, dental practice consulting, or dental administration. Completion of the “Request for Leave of Absence Form” must be completed and submitted to ABPD staff within 30 days of the circumstance causing a change in ability to practice.
Click the link below to read the full policy. To request Leave of Absence, please contact ABPD staff.
Terms of Use Policy
These Terms apply to all of your access to and use of this Site. By accessing, browsing and/or otherwise using the Site, you, your agents and authorized representatives are indicating that you have read and agree to follow and be bound by these Terms. Please read these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not access or use the Site.
Although ABPD may attempt to notify you when some changes are made to these Terms, we may modify these Terms at any time and from time to time in our sole discretion without notice to you. You should periodically review these Terms carefully in order to make sure that you are aware of the most current terms and conditions for the use of the Site because any use or viewing of the Site by you after any change to these Terms, whether or not you have reviewed the amended Terms, constitutes your acceptance of these Terms as changed. These Terms as amended from time to time shall remain in full force and effect anytime you use or access the ABPD Site.
Click the link below to read the full policy.
Privacy Policy
You have arrived at a web site that is provided by American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and/or its affiliated and subsidiary companies (collectively "ABPD" or “we” or “our” or “us” or “our”). Please read this Privacy Policy carefully so that you understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how we will treat it.
If you do not agree with our policies and practices, including our use and disclosure of your Personal Information, please do not use our Site and do not provide us with any of your information.
By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy and consent to our privacy practices described in this Privacy Policy, including our use and disclosure of your Personal Information as described in this Privacy Policy.
This Privacy Policy may change from time to time. Your continued use of the Site after we make changes is deemed and treated as your acceptance of those changes, so please check the Privacy Policy periodically for updates.
Click the link below to read the full policy.